The Athletic’s Michael Russo reports that Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin practiced at the right wing position on Team USA’s fourth line on Monday, and as such, Larkin was asked about accepting a lesser role:
Not everyone can be a top-six forward or be on the No. 1 power play. Heck, not everyone can play.
That was obvious Monday when the United States unveiled a fourth line that included Larkin. Chris Kreider, who scored 127 goals from 2021 to 2024 for the New York Rangers, looked slated to open the tournament as a healthy scratch.
“I’m just honored to be here and really happy,” Larkin said. “I’m one of the guys that will do anything to help the team and try and win. I’m probably going to be playing down the lineup, where I’m not used to that. But it’s something that I accept doing anything for the team.”
[Team USA coach Mike] Sullivan said this is the biggest challenge.
“The reality is when you look at these teams, they’re all dream teams, so to speak,” Sullivan said. “Most of them are used to being on the first power plays of their respective NHL teams, or they’re used to being the go-to guys in all the key situations. And the reality is when you put 20-something of them in the same dressing room, not everybody can be that guy.
“And so that’s going to be an important element is just a certain selflessness, a certain level of humility and self-sacrifice for the group. And I think that goes a long way to build the chemistry and the team atmosphere that we’re looking for.”
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